Population of bald eagles in Michigan rises

MONROE — Wildlife officials say Michigan's population of bald eagles has risen, leaving the birds once listed as an endangered species to search out good places to live.

The Detroit News reports Monday that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates there are more than 700 eagle pairs in the state. That's up from 630 pairs in 2010, and up from 85 in 1970.

Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Matthew Stuber says eagles typically live miles apart but will nest closer together if the habitat is good enough. Bald eagles have recently found homes near power plants, including DTE Energy Co.'s Monroe and Fermi 2 facilities.

In 2007, the federal government took the American bald eagle off the threatened species list. The bird had been reclassified from endangered in 1995.